Schnauzers get a bad reputation for being difficult. However, even the best trainer can have difficulty because they are not appealing to the most outstanding characteristic that the Schnauzer has : the need to please their Master.
These dogs LIVE TO PLEASE and are known to sit back and "stare" at their owners in total silence. They are watching you. They are very highly ranked in intelligence and problem solving. So not only do you have a hyper-observant breed, but one who processes and thinks.
So this is about bringing your pup/Schnauzer home for the first time. Adapting your pet to follow a good schedule will make life easy, fun, and lend to a healthy relationship. If this isn't followed, it becomes a nightmare of sleepless nights, sick dogs, and frustration.
So following these simple rules will make for a happy Schnauzer home:
1) look at your Schnauzer sitting there just staring at you. Now know that, at that moment, he/she is thinking "WHAT CAN I DO TO PLEASE MY MASTER?". That fuels their desire to perform at the highest level. And by using praise constantly, it adds to a closer and more relaxed bond which is healthy for both owner and dog.
2) Taking from the RULE #1 above, the next thing to address is feeding and house training. Putting your pups on a regimen will make you calm and pleased. Here is our time proven formula.
You have to establish a regimen to water access, bedtime, awake time, and going out.
Here is our regimen, adapt it to your schedule.
A) feed twice a day. Morning, and evening. Since schnauzers have a very quick digestive system, most food eaten will be digested with 90 min to 2 hrs max. That means that within an hour or so after eating, they need to go out and poop. When you are training a new member or puppy, this is your memorized statement : PRAISE, PEE, REWARD, PRAISE, POOP, REWARD, PRAISE. Before going out, put tiny training treats in your pocket. As soon youbstep outside, say "Good boy, good outside (reward with treat)". Walk them and as soon as they pee "Good boy, good pee (reward with treat)". Once they go poop, same routine "Good boy, good poop" (reward with treat). In less than 3 weeks , the dog will come to you, tell you they need to go out, and look for the praise and treat. Reward them at the very time they do a bathroom while OUTSIDE. They will remember 3 things : "I am outside, I pooped/peed, and I got praise and reward. I pleased my Master, and that pleases me".
SUCCESS! IN 3 WEEKS YOU HAVE HOUSEBROKEN YOUR SCHNAUZER WHICH IS MONTHS FASTER THAN MOST OWNERS EVER ACCOMPLISH!
B) water is left out throughout the day. They will consume the most water after eating , exercise or walks. Pickup the water no less than 2 hrs before it is bedtime. If you go to bed at 10pm. Water is to be picked up by 8pm. Never leave water out overnight, it's not healthy.
C) walk the dog about a half hour before you go to bed. We take the dogs on a 15 min walk down the block where they poop and pee their hearts out. The walk will tire them and they sleep through the night with an empty butt and bladder. They should give you a solid 8 hrs sleep. But first thing in the morning, take them out because they will need to go.
D) feed them right after you come in, and go get ready for work. After you are ready, it's a quick walk on leash (even in your yard) to make sure they poop before you leave. Why? If they get distracted, and don't poop, they will have either intestinal discomfort and get sick (or have accidents).
Following this regimen keeps accidents away, gives you a healthy dog, and also ensures a restful sleep for you.